Turkey moves ahead with T-70 deliveries despite program challenges

ISTANBUL — Turkey has formally inducted its fourth T-70 utility helicopter into the Air Force Command during a ceremony at the 3rd Main Jet Base.

The helicopter, configured for Combat Search and Rescue (CSAR), is part of the Turkish Utility Helicopter Program (TUHP), under which 31 aircraft have now been delivered across the armed forces and security agencies.

The milestone comes as the future of the TUHP remains uncertain. Launched in 2007 to replicate the success of the T129 ATAK project in the utility role, the program envisioned the production of up to 600 helicopters through a partnership between Turkish Aerospace (TUSAŞ), Sikorsky, and local subcontractors. However, the program that was delayed significantly now faces an early termination after nearly two decades.

Under the current plan, 109 helicopters were to be procured for general purpose, combat search and rescue and firefighting variants across six end-users, including the Land Forces, Air Force, Gendarmerie, Special Forces, Police, and Directorate of Forestry. However, production will cease after 39 helicopters.

The T-70 is a localized version of the Sikorsky S-70i Black Hawk, powered by T700-TEI-701D engines built by TEI, and equipped with ASELSAN-developed avionics including mission computers, multifunction displays, and an indigenous IFF Mod 5/C responder.

Key components such as rotor heads and transmissions are manufactured by Alp Aviation.

Delays have been attributed to shifting operational requirements — particularly the rise of armed UAVs reducing demand for helicopter-borne troops — as well as U.S. sanctions on Türkiye after the S-400 purchase.

Lockheed Martin, Sikorsky’s parent company, disclosed in its 2024 annual report that the sanctions had impaired its ability to perform under TUHP contracts, prompting partial suspension of work in October 2024 and resulting in a $95 million loss.

While executives later spoke during an Earnings Call in Summer 2025 of a “notional agreement” to restructure the program, the way forward remains uncertain.

Meanwhile, Turkish Aerospace is pushing ahead with the T925 Heavy Utility Helicopter as a domestic alternative. Designed to carry up to 19 passengers or four tons of water in firefighting configuration, the T925 is scheduled to fly in 2026, with entry into service planned from 2028.

Cem Devrim Yaylali is a Turkey correspondent for Defense News. He is a keen photographer of military ships and has a passion for writing about naval and defense issues. He was born in Paris, France, and resides in Istanbul, Turkey. He is married with one son.

伊斯坦布尔——土耳其在第三主喷气机基地举行仪式，正式将第四架T-70通用直升机纳入空军司令部服役。

这款直升机配置用于战斗搜救（CSAR），是土耳其通用直升机计划（TUHP）的一部分，该计划目前已向土耳其武装部队和安全机构交付了 31 架飞机。

这一里程碑事件发生之际，TUHP项目的未来仍然充满不确定性。该项目于2007年启动，旨在复制T129 ATAK项目在通用直升机领域的成功经验。项目计划通过土耳其航空航天公司（TUSAŞ）、西科斯基公司和当地分包商的合作，生产多达600架直升机。然而，该项目经历了多次延误，如今在历经近二十年后，面临着提前终止的风险。

根据目前的计划，将为包括陆军、空军、宪兵队、特种部队、警察和林业局在内的六个最终用户采购109架直升机，用于通用、战斗搜救和消防等用途。然而，生产将在39架直升机后停止。

T-70 是西科斯基 S-70i 黑鹰的本地化版本，由 TEI 制造的 T700-TEI-701D 发动机提供动力，并配备了 ASELSAN 开发的航空电子设备，包括任务计算机、多功能显示器和国产 IFF Mod 5/C 应答器。

旋翼头和传动装置等关键部件由阿尔卑斯航空制造。

延误的原因归咎于作战需求的变化——特别是武装无人机的兴起减少了对直升机部队的需求——以及土耳其购买 S-400 后美国对其实施的制裁。

西科斯基的母公司洛克希德·马丁公司在其 2024 年年度报告中披露，制裁削弱了其履行 TUHP 合同的能力，导致 2024 年 10 月部分工作暂停，并造成 9500 万美元的损失。

虽然高管们后来在 2025 年夏季的财报电话会议上谈到了重组该计划的“名义协议”，但未来的道路仍然不确定。

与此同时，土耳其航空航天公司正大力推进T925重型通用直升机的研发，以期打造一款国产替代机型。T925直升机设计载客量可达19人，或在消防配置下运载4吨水，计划于2026年首飞，并于2028年投入使用。

杰姆·德夫里姆·亚伊拉利是《防务新闻》驻土耳其记者。他热衷于拍摄军舰，并对海军和国防议题充满热情。他出生于法国巴黎，现居土耳其伊斯坦布尔。他已婚，育有一子。